My Quarter-Spin: A Work In Progress

L

lorsban

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
28
Hey guys,

I'm still new at knife throwing and I'm working on being more consistent. My gil hibben hall of fame knives just arrived and I've been trying it out. Here's me practicing from 7 feet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JLQY4fHNwA

Any hints and tips will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for watching!

lorsban
 
You look nice and relaxed, with pretty good grouping. Deep sticking, too, which is always a plus.

Overall, very excellent work!
 
Thanks for the kind words!

I'm ok at around 6-8 feet but when I get from 9 feet and over I'm super inconsistent, getting about 1 out of 4 throws in! I'm thinking there's something wrong with the way I throw or something. Anyway, I'll post a new video at 9 feet or so for everyone to critique.
 
well, in my experience, you need to be at distances that allow for half-rotations of the blade, for which you adjust by throwing by the handle or the tip. in-between distances don't really work.

so you might want to try throwing more from 10-12 feet and looking for another half-turn out of it.

edit: also try to be as consistent as possible. maybe try eliminating the forward step or substituting a forward weight shift or hip turn.
 
I am going to be blunt.

You are very inconsistant in your form. You are also throwing more side arm than over the top. Your feet change position every throw. You left knee does point at the target.

You are sticking the knives because you are so close so it allows for a lot of wiggleroom.

As you move back, the margin of error increases so you miss more.

Try this page http://www.knifethrowing.info/the_throw.html

and this http://www.knifethrower.com/

I have worked with Mike Bainton and he has helped me a lot. I have also spoken to John Bailey, and Jack Dagger and learned from them.

Every one has their own style but the basics are similar. Good luck
 
golden chicken said:
well, in my experience, you need to be at distances that allow for half-rotations of the blade, for which you adjust by throwing by the handle or the tip. in-between distances don't really work.

so you might want to try throwing more from 10-12 feet and looking for another half-turn out of it.

edit: also try to be as consistent as possible. maybe try eliminating the forward step or substituting a forward weight shift or hip turn.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, but I don't really want to turn the knife since I'm going for the no-spin or quarter spin throw.

Anyway, my target is really to go up to 12-15 feet.
 
samuel5090 said:
I am going to be blunt.

You are very inconsistant in your form. You are also throwing more side arm than over the top. Your feet change position every throw. You left knee does point at the target.

You are sticking the knives because you are so close so it allows for a lot of wiggleroom.

As you move back, the margin of error increases so you miss more.

Try this page http://www.knifethrowing.info/the_throw.html

and this http://www.knifethrower.com/

I have worked with Mike Bainton and he has helped me a lot. I have also spoken to John Bailey, and Jack Dagger and learned from them.

Every one has their own style but the basics are similar. Good luck
Click to expand...

Thank you! I greatly appreciate your honesty! I'm trying to go for Ralph Thorn's no-spin technique. In his videos you'll see him running around, jumping and so on.

Anyway, what I'm trying to do is focus on the feel of the knife leaving my hand since that's what controls the spin. I notice that the more "rigid" I am, the more I miss, so I'm trying to be as loose as possible.

About the throw itself, it seems that in Thorn's system, what's important is how the knife leaves the hand as well as how you hold it. What I like about it is I can throw using a more natural motion (to me, that is).

I'll post some more vids at 9 feet as soon as I get a new target. Mine's all mangled and chipped at this point.
 
When I watched the video I thought that you must be using my technique instead of shuriken because of the sidearm angle, which is more natural to my style than any other.

There is no need for consistency in footwork or arm angle with my style, since, as you say, total mobility is one of its main advantages and ultimate goals.

You are doing fine for a beginner. What you need to do is experiment a little with the size and type of knives you are using and get in a lot of repetitions. If you keep at it you should soon have at least twice the range you have now.
 
eralphthorn said:
When I watched the video I thought that you must be using my technique instead of shuriken because of the sidearm angle, which is more natural to my style than any other.

There is no need for consistency in footwork or arm angle with my style, since, as you say, total mobility is one of its main advantages and ultimate goals.

You are doing fine for a beginner. What you need to do is experiment a little with the size and type of knives you are using and get in a lot of repetitions. If you keep at it you should soon have at least twice the range you have now.
Click to expand...

Hello Mr. Thorn,

Thanks for chiming in! I'm a huge fan of your technique! Although, all I have to go on are your videos which are on youtube so I don't really have any in-depth info on how to go about things, which is why I posted my video.

Anyway, about repetition, I'm doing 100 hits at 7 feet in as short a time as possible. Once I've mastered that, I plan on doing the same for 8 feet, then 9 and so on. I'm planning a training regimen of 400 hits/day.

About the knife, you're right it's too small. It's only 8 inches and it has this "ridge" right where the blade portion is divided by the handle portion. Would've been better if it was straight. This kind of forces me to hold the knife by pinching the bottom part of the handle with my thumb and middle finger, with my forefinger along the handle. (I'll post pics later) - Because of this, I can't generate a lot of power and control.

I'm thinking about making my own knives using regular steel bars and shaping them using a grinder. All the knives I see online aren't suitable for no-spin without modification.

Again, thanks and regards!

lorsban
 
I have always thought the same thing about the "wave throw" - it works great as far as getting the knife to stick in but the release is way too slow and clumsy for my taste.
 
eralphthorn said:
I have always thought the same thing about the "wave throw" - it works great as far as getting the knife to stick in but the release is way too slow and clumsy for my taste.
Click to expand...

Yeah, in my opinion, there are too many unnecessary movements. Seems inefficient. I don't understand how the "wave" thing works either especially in this context.

Anyway, that's how I hold the knife, with the bottom of the handle at the base of my forefinger.
 
eralphthorn said:
When I watched the video I thought that you must be using my technique instead of shuriken because of the sidearm angle, which is more natural to my style than any other.

There is no need for consistency in footwork or arm angle with my style, since, as you say, total mobility is one of its main advantages and ultimate goals.

You are doing fine for a beginner. What you need to do is experiment a little with the size and type of knives you are using and get in a lot of repetitions. If you keep at it you should soon have at least twice the range you have now.
Click to expand...

I watched a video of yours on YouTube. I like the style and was wondering what you might recommend for a decent set of knives out there for practice? I may pick up your book... haven't decided yet. But I'd love to find a set of knifes small enough to put on a belt, or a strap somewhere for easy access. Something practical. :D
 
Bobby Branton makes great little throwers; Patriqq on this list makes shur-knives.

Contact them off-list since for more info since this is a noncommercial area.
 
Hey guys,

It's been a while! Happy New Year!

Anyway, I've decided to go back to spin technique with the knives I have. Their design seems to be made for spin. Even at twice the distance, I'm getting pretty good consistency, only changing where I grip the knife. 6-8ft - blade, 10-12ft - handle, 13-15ft - blade.

Here's a vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qihBm-awcs4

Once I get more longer, straighter knives, I'll try out no-spin again. Hopefully, by then I'll have made myself a larger target. That small one is a damn hassle when I miss.

regards,

lorsban
 
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